Dear Whisky Customers
 
Just a quick email to let you know that I will have some of the Octomore 2 in later this month. They’ve bored out the cylinders as they say and upped the peating level from 132 to 140 ppm. Unlike last time I have a larger allocation. Thus there will be no need for drawing names out of a hat!!
 
I have 10 bottles available, thus it will be sold on a first come first served basis, with a maximum purchases of one bottle per customer. The normal Gauntleys retail for this will be £82.95. However for the member of the whisky mailing list you will be able to purchase it for only £79.95. Arn’t we nice to you!
 
Also PC8 ‘Ar Duthchas’ (Gaelic for ‘Land of Our Heritage’ ) will be available as well, matured in 100% American oak, retailing for £68.95. This is the fourth and final release of the spirit distilled in 2001. The natural cask strength has fallen to 60.5% and a must buy for those of you who purchased PC5, 6 and 7.
 
If purchased in conjunction with the Octomore you can have it for £65.95. My, all this generosity in one email!!!!
 
Jim McEwan’s tasting notes follow:
 
Octomore 2 62.5%

100% Bourbon Cask – 140ppm

Colour: Winter sun/Lemon Grass

Body: A total tempest of peaty marine spirit that leaves the palate mesmerised, it’s absolutely gorgeous!! The power of the spirit is phenomenal and Phenolic as it crashes onto the palate like a tidal wave of smoke, engulfing the senses in a mind blowing whirlpool of Islay character that has never been experienced before. Awesome does not even come close!!

Nose/Palate: Without water (which is the way I enjoy it), the aromas are of peat fires,  iodine, burning heather and oily sea crusted rope. Then it opens a little allowing notes of Hawthorn, Birch, Myrtle and Juniper to evolve. It’s the wild plants and trees you find on walking Islay’s’ hills.  These aromas cool the senses a little and bring a freshness to the spirit which  is really beautiful. With the addition of water the Myrtle mint oiliness moves forward and clears a path for the little notes of green apple and pine needles to emerge which is a much welcome relief from the thunder clouds of peat smoke that threaten to erupt at any moment.
      
After some 25 minutes and water, a chink of sunlight breaks through to reveal the oak and the malt, both of whom are now coming to terms with their situation which is that sharing a glass with the peat monster requires patience, but they prevail and some kind of harmony is reached and so the thunder clouds roll on menacing and moody but with just a hint of a silver lining beginning to emerge.

After 45 minutes it’s safe to really get your nose into the glass. All the lighter notes are more evident, particularly the Myrtle and malt. I don’t suggest that if you’re a storm chaser that you wait so long, it’s twice the fun to enjoy it as it is, straight without dilution, but that’s your choice. It’s not a difficult decision!! Face the monster and enjoy what is a totally unique experience. Peatophiles, this one is for you. It is the heaviest peated single malt in the world but there is a gentler side that will evolve as time goes by, but for now, its Rock & Roll.

Finish: 24 Hours is about right!!

Regards

Chris Goodrum

Visit Gauntleys at http://www.gauntley-wine.co.uk/